Levee Breach Prompts Evacuations Near Vallecito | JQJO

Heavy rain in southwest Colorado breached a levee along Vallecito Creek and pushed Vallecito and Grimes creeks over their banks, prompting evacuations north of Vallecito Lake and along West Vallecito Creek Drive. Officials said more than 350 homes were cleared as levels rose to 1,920 ft early Saturday. A check-in site is open at Bayfield High School; residents were urged to leave immediately as fast-moving water may not peak until 8 p.m. Multiple roads, Wolf Creek Pass, and Pagosa Street are closed. Free sandbags are available in Durango, Bayfield, and Hesperus; 1-2 more inches are expected.